The Report: Thailand 2018

Real GDP grew by 3.9% in 2017 – the fastest expansion recorded since 2012 – with strong global growth supporting increased export revenue and a modest recovery in private consumption. While Thailand’s robust export economy has long benefitted from overseas investment in key manufacturing segments such as automotive and electronics, a number of factors contributed to a gradual decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) in recent years. However, progress made under the Thailand 4.0 plan and the Eastern Economic Cor- ridor policy has helped the country regain some traction in this regard, with FDI commitments outpacing government targets in 2017.